Morton Fire Department
Corn Dryer/Silo Fire – Redman Road
October 8, 2007 – 11:50 PM

Just before midnight, on October 8th, 2007, the Morton Fire Department was dispatched to a reported silo fire, near propane tanks, on Redman Road, Monroe County. A pumper from Hamlin and a rescue (RIT Team) from Holley also responded as mutual assistance companies.

2C11 reported a working fire, requested channel 4 to be secured and requested Hilton’s quint to the scene and a pumper from Kendall to fill-in at the Morton Fire Station. First due engines from Morton and Hamlin were directed to lay-in with large diameter hose and a hand line from these two rigs achieved initial suppression of visible flames. Quint 260 arrived on the scene and placed a ladder stream directly into the dryer, from the top, to complete initial knock down. The fire was deeply seated within the stored corn however, and it was determined that the corn would need to be removed from the dryer. It was necessary to cut and open the silo when the normal discharge port failed to open. The slow process of removing the corn was undertaken and Hamlin and Holley were released from the scene.

Using thermal imaging cameras, it was recognized that there was considerable heat within the silo and a line was used to cool the sides, and the ladder pipe was utilized to continue to water down the contents, as the corn was removed.  Operations continued well into the next morning.

Photos and Story by Jerry Clement